The tides are changing in the DC Universe. Now that Jason Momoa has officially left the role, the search for Atlantis’ new monarch is underway. Aquaman’s gone from a comic book footnote to a billion-dollar box office behemoth, and as the DCU embarks on its reboot era, one giant question remains: who’s ready to wield the trident and rule the seven seas? Here’s a peek at 10 thesps who might take on the part—and make a big splash.
10. Sam Claflin
Best known for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Snow White & The Huntsman, and Enola Holmes, Sam Claflin has the charm, range, and action chops to reinvent Aquaman as a more grounded, relatable hero. While not the most obvious choice, his mix of warmth and edge could give the character a fresh dynamic.
9. Will Poulter
Straight from his stint as Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Poulter has the comic book background, bulk, and unique appearance to bring a more comic-true Arthur Curry. And James Gunn tends to introduce known actors to new films—Poulter’s already been mentioned.
8. Alexander Ludwig
From Vikings to The Hunger Games, Ludwig has demonstrated that he can do both heavy action and authoritative leadership. His physicality, fight training, and natural ruggedness make him a strong candidate for a more war-hardened, warrior-king iteration of Aquaman.
7. Liam Hemsworth
With franchise credentials under his belt from The Hunger Games and soon to come as Geralt in The Witcher, Liam Hemsworth has star wattage and rough-around-the-edges charm. The prospect of one Hemsworth dominating the seas and another commanding Asgard essentially promotes itself.
6. Dev Patel
Dev Patel’s work in The Green Knight, Lion, and Slumdog Millionaire has demonstrated his capacity to balance gravitas with vulnerability. Playing Aquaman, he might be able to bring emotional complexity and a more considerate interpretation, leaving the character open to new narrative options.
5. Joe Alwyn
Best known for The Favourite and Mary Queen of Scots, Alwyn might make a great, traditional Aquaman. His subtle sense of style would be the ideal foil to Momoa’s king-rockstar, depicting Arthur Curry as a reliable, quietly authoritative ruler.
4. Alex Aiono
Though still a young talent, Alex Aiono (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, Finding ‘Ohana) might infuse youthful vigor and long-term potential in the role. Aged 27, he has space to develop into a character, making Aquaman a career-defining chapter.
3. Jensen Ackles
Loved by genre audiences for Supernatural and more currently The Boys, Jensen Ackles has the action credibility, charisma, and unmistakable voice to bring a fresh take on Aquaman. He’s been fancasted as other DC heroes for years, but this role might finally put him in the spotlight he deserves.
2. Austin Butler
Austin Butler has already established his star power in Elvis and soon will be seen in Dune: Part Two. He’s young, versatile, and able to dominate the screen—a package that can make Aquaman relevant for the next several years.
1. Alexander Skarsgård
Of The Northman, The Legend of Tarzan, and Godzilla vs. Kong, Skarsgård possesses the build, action background, and weight to capture both warrior and statesman aspects of Aquaman. He might effortlessly make the character his own with a brooding yet nuanced performance.
Special Spotlight: Alan Ritchson
Before Jason Momoa’s reinterpretation, it was Alan Ritchson who originally portrayed Aquaman in Smallville as an attitude-filled eco-warrior. Now, following his Reacher breakout, Ritchson’s build, assertiveness, and on-screen presence place him in a strong position to take back the title.
Having him return wouldn’t be nostalgia—it would be an astute method of merging the character’s past with the future of the DCU. In an era of multiverse storytelling, Ritchson could provide a familiar yet fresh Aquaman—one that is mythic and real-world-feeling at the same time.
Whoever does take the throne in Atlantis, the job is a big one (and big fins) to fill. The ideal actor will require more than brawn—they will require the presence, depth, and charisma to bring one of DC’s most high-profile characters into the next chapter.